COMPETITION CATEGORIES

1. Traditional Quilts (Large and Small)  Quilts that are constructed using both traditional techniques and materials, but are not the entrants own original design.  Quilts started in a class where the pattern was supplied are allowed.  Replica quilts are allowed.  Quilts made from a kit are NOT allowed.
2. Contemporary Quilts (Small, Large and Masters)  Quilts that are constructed using traditional techniques and traditional materials, but are the entrant’s own original design.  Quilts started in a class where the pattern was supplied is NOT allowed.
3. Freestyle Quilts ( Small, Large and Masters)  Formerly Art quilts.  Quilt which incorporate non- traditional techniques and/or non traditional materials as well as make use of any traditional techniques and/or materials.  There must be 3 layers on at least 25% of the visible surface of the quilt. It must be the entrant’s own original design.  Cannot be from a pattern or kit or have been started in a class where a pattern was supplied.
4. Collaborative Quilts  Made by two (2) people.  Any techniques and materials may be used.  Entry form must state whether it is an original design or provide details of design source.  
5. Group Quilts  Made by a group of 3 or more people.  Any techniques and materials may be used.
6. Miniature Quilts  Must be in scaled–down proportion to a regular sized quilt.  Any techniques or materials may be used.
7. Under 16 years of age  Quilt maker must be 16 years or younger.  Any techniques may be used.
8. Theme  “Kaleidoscope”
9. Outreach – Quilts made by those in Outreach/Share & Care programmes.  Any techniques and materials may be used.  Must be entirely the work of the person or persons stated on the entry form.

10.  3-Dimensional Items – Includes wearable art (clothing), bags, soft sculpture and other 3-dimentional items.  Any item that can be hung from a hook, draped over a hanger or is free-standing on a horizontal surface may be entered in this category.  There must be 3 layers on at least 25% of the visible portion of the item.

Master Category: Quilters who have received a First prize or Best of Show prize in any South African National Quilt festival in an Innovative, Contemporary, Art or Freestyle category within the past 10 years must enter their quilts in this category.  Note that there is no Traditional Masters category.

       QUILT SIZES

        Small                               no side longer than 150 cm

        Large                               no side longer than 250 cm

        Master                            no side longer than 250 cm

        Miniature                                   no side longer than 60 cm, no block bigger than 10cm x 10cm

        Under 16                         no side longer than 80 cm

        Theme                             no side longer than 80 cm

        Collaborative                 no side longer than 250 cm

         Group                            no side longer than 250 cm

         Outreach                                   no side longer than 150 cm

        3- Dimensional Items     no side longer than 80 cm

RULES  OF  THE  COMPETITION

• All entries must be in prinstine condition.
• All entries must consist of three (3) layers and must be quilted or use relevant methods such as Crazy patchwork, Cathedral windows and Mola, with the exception of freestyle and 3-D item entries (see category definitions for their quilting requirements).
• All entries must be the work of only one person, except for entries in Collaborative quilts and Group quilts categories.  All work must be solely the work of the individual or group stated as the Maker(s) on the entry form.
• NO payment may be made for any work whatsoever on any entry, either before or after the competition.
• Comprehensive design credits and inspiration must be given, where applicable. When inspired by a photograph, picture or painting, a photocopy of your inspiration MUST accompany the entry.
• Quilts previously enterd in a national quilt competition in South Africa are excluded.
• A maximum of 4 entries per person is allowed, excluding the Challenge competition or other specialty exhibitions.
• No quilt may be entered into more than one category. The category choice is the sole responsibility of the entrant.
• Quilts with heavy embellishments, rigid frames, mountings or special devices of any kind, will not be allowed.
• All quilts must be able to be hung from a 10cm cloth sleeve sewn to the top back of the quilt, 2cm short of either side, except for 3-D Items (see category definition).
• All quilts must have a cloth label, with the following information on it:

Quilt Category and Entry Number, Quilt Title, Quilt Maker’s Name, Address and Phone Number and the Date the quilt was made.

This label must be securely sewn to the back of the quilt, placed on the lower left-hand corner (viewed from the back). The label must have a piece of dark cloth tacked over all information except the Category, Entry Number and the Quilt title.  If the name of the quiltmaker appears on the front of the quilt, this must be covered by a piece of dark fabric.

• Although the greatest care will be taken with all entries, the quilts are exhibited entirely at the risk of the owner.  Please arrange your own insurance.
• The judges’ decision is final an NO queries or correspondence pertaining to the judging will be considered.
• The National Quilt Festival committee reserves the right to photograph any work for publicity purposes, acknowledging the quilt maker.
• The organizers reserve the right to reject any quilt that they feel is inappropriate, offensive or of a standard unacceptable to be exhibited at a South African National Festival.